3 Equals 550

Initially let me make clear the following analysis of events unfolding in Gaza and Israel and Palestine is not an attack on the presence of an independent6 state of Israel in the Middle East. Just about any criticism of Israeli policies results in cries they represent ANTI-SEMITISM! Those who care for the state of Israel believe its survival as a DEMOCRATIC nation depends upon its ability to forge meaningful relations with nations of the Middle East. Asa professor who has taught about the Middle East and mong the founders of a Holocaust Museum, it is clear that survival of Israel as a beacon of democracy depends upon its demonstration of leadership in the Middle East. At this moment, at leat 550 Palestinians are dead because initally three innocent Jewsih children were murdered. The numbver of Palestinian wounded has past the 3000 figure. There simply is no rational way of arguing that the murder of 3 requires the murder of 550 in order to demonstrate something.

OOps, there are now 25 dead Israeli soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argues, “all civilian casualties are unintended by us, but intended by Hamas.” An intersting equation. In fairness, Bibi is right, Hamas thrives on the killing of Palestinians by Israel. It furnishes them a new set of martyrs who must be avenged. The result is that thousands of Palstinian youth flock to the banner of Deat. Reality check: Israel has prevously launched invasions of Gaza. In each sorty, the Israel government promised the Jewish people of Israel(20% are Muslim or Christian) that THIS invasion was the FINAL INVASION. Each time the promise of finality, but each time the end result is growth in the number of Palestinians wiling to becme martyrs for revenge. Sorry, THIS TIME is NOT the last time.

Death in Gaza, destruction of homes simply ensures a new generation of those willing to murder Israelis. Frankly, they don’t care if the Israeli is Jewish or Muslim, Death alone serves their cause.

At some point Israel MUST

1. Agree that 90% of the West Bank belongs to Palestinians.

Once that is accepted, the road to peace can become a reality.

P.S. Isn’t it time for Death To take a holiday from the Middle East???